Prospect

Pick Analysis: General manager Gene Smith aggressively moves up to select the Jaguars franchise quarterback of the future. Gabbert gives the team a young quarterback to groom behind David Garrard, and the slow development plan could pay significant dividends down the road. His physical tools and potential are off the charts, and the ability to sit behind a veteran will allow the team to cultivate his talent without the pressure to put him on the field immediately.

Overview

Gabbert has it all physically, but has a long way to go before he's ready to lead an NFL offense. He played in a spread offense and will have to learn to take snaps under center and make progressions in the pocket. However, he is a smart football player that seems to understand coverages and he has the arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows. He is also very mobile and elusive in the pocket and shows the ability to make plays with his feet. Overall, Gabbert's tools will be too alluring for a team without a quarterback, and he seems assured to be a top-10 pick, maybe even the first QB off the board.

Strengths

Gabbert has prototypical size and excellent speed for the position. Shows the ability to make the right pre-snap reads. Possesses a quick release and has the arm strength to make all the throws. Well-balanced passer that rarely misses on short-to-intermediate throws. Extremely mobile to extend plays and fast enough to move the chains. Vocal leader and hard worker.

Weaknesses

Trusts his arm too much and puts the ball in harm's way too often. Does not show good touch on passes over the middle and needs to learn to take a little velocity off certain throws. Struggles to throw an accurate deep ball. Late feeling pressure at times which neutralizes his very good mobility. Will need to learn a pro style offense.

Guidelines: Fan feedback should be within the
guidelines for the NFL community. These guidelines will be
used to identify those comments that will be removed from display
on the site. Please keep your comments relevant to the topic, not
abusive or combatant towards other fans, and don’t share
any personal details. Use the “Report” link to help
keep the community at its best.